Saquon Barkley thinks he can beat 4-8 week timeline for high ankle sprain

The New York Giants will be without Saquon Barkley for the next month or two with a high ankle sprain injury, but the star running back is hoping to beat expectations. The Giants indicated they were expecting him to miss upwards of six to eight weeks, but Barkley is apparently telling people he can beat the timeline, according to NFL Network reporter Kim Jones. She also reported that the Giants want to make sure he’s cautious in pushing to return.

Not exactly a shocking disagreement between a player and his training staff.

Fantasy analysis: Wayne Gallman will be starting in Barkley’s place for the meantime. The Giants have brought in other running backs for workouts, but Gallman is getting the shot for now. If they think Barkley legitimately can return closer to four weeks than eight, I doubt they make a move. Of course, if Gallman stinks up the joint in what is a huge opportunity for him, then maybe they make a move.

The Giants are 1-2 after a stunning performance from Daniel Jones vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he keeps it up and they find themselves even moderately in the playoff chase, it becomes a fascinating decisions process — particularly if Gallman struggles in the starting role.